Bajrangi Bhaijaan At 10: Kabir Khan Recalls Standing Up To Censors For Scene That Became Iconic
As 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' completes ten years, filmmaker Kabir Khan looked back at the legacy of the Salman Khan-starrer and revealed an intense behind-the-scenes moment that nearly changed the film’s most stirring scene.
In a conversation with Screen, Kabir opened up about a crucial line in the film that drew resistance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The now-iconic scene features the late Om Puri’s character bidding farewell to Salman’s Pavan with the words, “Jai Shri Ram.” According to the director, this line almost didn’t make it to the final cut.
Kabir Khan on politically sensitive dialogue in Bajrangi Bhaijaan
When asked whether he had concerns about including politically sensitive dialogues like “Thoda sa humare paas bhi hai Kashmir”, Kabir responded candidly: “No, I wasn’t thinking too much back then. I just followed my heart. But you’re right, today, people judge a film before watching it. But back then, not one person said the film was offensive. Although there was a line the censors wanted me to cut, when Om Puri says ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to Salman as he’s seeing them off.”
He further revealed the apprehensions of the censor board, saying, “They thought it might upset people, especially the Muslim population. But I fought for it.”
Audience reaction proved CBFC wrong
Kabir recalled a defining moment during a screening at Mumbai’s Gaiety Galaxy cinema: “I remember watching the film at Gaiety Galaxy, one of the most quintessential single-screen experiences in Mumbai. The theatre, packed with Muslim blue-collar workers from Bandra, erupted in cheers when that line came. It was the clearest sign that everyone who doubted it was wrong. You could see how deeply the moment landed with them.”
About Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Released in 2015, Bajrangi Bhaijaan told the heartfelt tale of Pavan, a devout follower of Lord Hanuman, who sets out on an emotional journey to reunite a mute Pakistani girl, played by Harshaali Malhotra, with her family across the border. With themes of faith, compassion, and humanity at its core, the film struck a chord with audiences across the globe.
The cast included Salman Khan in one of his most beloved roles, alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Om Puri, and a standout performance by young Harshaali. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film went on to become a box office juggernaut, grossing ₹921.93 crore worldwide, and continues to be remembered as one of Indian cinema’s most emotionally resonant mainstream offerings.
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